Garcia didn’t even look at Girardi when the manager came to the mound to take the ball. Garcia then said something to himself as he walked back to the dugout. The two ultimately engaged in conversation in the dugout.

“I appreciate it,” Garcia said. “He came over and said it was a tough decision for him and that I was throwing the ball well. But at the end of the day, my job is to execute pitches until they take me out of the game. I thought for the most part I was able to do that today, and the biggest thing is that we won a big game.”

Garcia hadn’t pitched since Aug. 30. He gave up one run on five hits in 4.2 innings while striking out four. He is still winless in six starts since being acquired by the Yankees (0-2, 4.60 ERA).

Girardi decided to take Garcia out after he allowed a double to Lucas Duda. Evan Longoria had been 0-for-2 against Garcia, but the manager elected to bring in lights-out reliever Chad Green. Green got Longoria to fly out to center.

Girardi wasn’t upset with Garcia.

“I don’t want you to want to come out,” Girardi said. “I don’t ever really (make too much of it) in the heat of the moment. I want competitors. I even went up and told him, ‘I understand if you’re mad at me. I get it.’ If it is days after (and a guy is still upset), there’s an issue. But no, I was happy he didn’t want to come out.”

“I’m not going to sit here and lie to you that getting a win personally isn’t a nice thing, but that’s not the key,” Garcia said. “The main goal right now is to help this team win ballgames and to get to October.”

Garcia will make another start, Girardi said.

“Whenever they need me I’ll be ready to go until they take the ball out of my hand,” Garcia said. “I feel good right now. I feel confident about my stuff. I’m here to help this team. I’m excited to be here.”